In this episode Brandon interviews Christian Jones, the executive Director of the Flint Mission Network, which is a collection of Lutheran ministries to inner city Flint Michigan. This episode is a little longer than normal because before Brandon and Christian first talked a bit about the work Christian is doing and what it means to be a Lutheran. When the conversation turns to prayer, however, they go pretty deep and ask some of the hard questions like, “Why does prayer sometimes feel like talking into a void?” and “What do you say to people whose prayers aren’t being answered. 

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Links to things referenced in the show:

• The Flint Mission Network https://flintmissionnetwork.org/

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Email feedback, questions, or comments to [email protected]

Matt and Brandon continue their discussion about the brain and spiritual practices. They touch on several different practices and Brandon shares some of his own experience with contemplative prayer and how it has helped him with his anxiety. The guys also get into a discussion about gratitude and liturgy.  

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Matt and Brandon sit down to talk about a some research Matt has been doing on spiritual practices and how they effect our brains. Along the way we discuss the similarities and differences between Eastern meditation, mindfulness, and Christian meditation practices and how the fad of mindfulness might be an open door for Christian evangelism.

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Links to books referenced in the show

Finding Quiet: My Story of Overcoming Anxiety and the Practices that Brought Peace by J. P. Moreland

Anatomy of the Soul: Surprising Connections between Neuroscience and Spiritual Practices That Can Transform Your Life and Relationships by Curt Thompson

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And please rate and review the podcast, it helps other people find us! Thank you!

In this episode Brandon interviews Oliver Willis about an amazing experience he had while on one of Signpost Inn's Contemplative Prayer Retreats. Oliver went home with a refreshed relationship with God and a lot of new questions to ask his friends about how they perceive God. 

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Join us for a Contemplative Prayer Retreat yourself! See our upcoming retreats and register: https://www.signpostinn.org/event-types/prayer-retreats

Or contact us directly to talk about scheduling a private retreat for yourself or your group. 

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In this final part of a 3 part series, Father Joseph explains what Icons are and how they are used in religious practice. He defends them against the accusation that they are idolatry and at the same time expands on his previous discussion about prayer.

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Links:

Ladyminister: The The Monastery of Our Lady and Saint Laurence

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In this second of a 3 part series, Brandon continues his interview with Father Joseph. In this episode they discuss prayer. Brandon asks Father Joseph to define prayer, and for his advice for those who struggle to pray.

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Links:

Register for a Signpost Inn prayer retreat or workshop

Ladyminister: The Monastery of Our Lady and Saint Laurence

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Email your questions and comments to [email protected].

Please send us your questions so Matt and I can start hosting regular, listener questions episodes. email us at [email protected] with your questions about prayer, Christian spirituality, theology, or whatever else you'd like to hear us bat around on the back porch. 

We'd also really appreciate your feedback on how we're doing. Send that to the same email. 

Finally, don't forget to check out all the cool events coming up on our calendar: https://www.signpostinn.org/events. We've got some great online workshops and a bunch of Contemplative Prayer retreats lined up!

In this first of a 3 part series, Brandon interviews Father Joseph, an Orthodox monk at The Monastery of Our Lady and Saint Laurence. In this episode Father Joseph answers the question: "What is Orthodoxy, and how is it different from other kinds of Christianity?" 

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Links:

Register for a Signpost Inn prayer retreat or workshop

Ladyminister: The Monastery of Our Lady and Saint Laurence

The Orthodox Way by Kallistos Ware

Welcome to the Orthodox Church: An Introduction to Eastern Christianity by Frederica Matthews-Green

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Email your questions and comments to [email protected].

Happy New Year! Do you pursue God or does God pursue you? In this episode Matt and Brandon talk about the common phrase "pursuing God," and suggest that there are better metaphors for understanding our relationship with God. 

They also talk about what's in store on the podcast for the coming year. There are some really great episodes and interviews coming soon! 

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Email us with your feedback at [email protected]. We try to answer every email.

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Here's a link to the book Brandon talks about on this episode: The Pursuing God: A Reckless, Irrational, Obsessed Love That's Dying to Bring Us Home, by Joshua Ryan Butler.

Merry Christmas! In this special episode Brandon and Liv Booth join Matt Boland to meditate on the meaning of the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ. We discuss a bit of philosophy, a bit of mystery, and a lot of love. 

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Questions? Send us an email at [email protected]. We try to answer every email. 

This episode's intro and outro music is Hark! The Herald Angels Sing